New Year's Resolution: Planned Gift for USNI
For most people, the start of a new year is a time for reflecting and planning. We think back on the previous year's events—complete with its trials and triumphs. Then we begin to set goals for the coming months—be they personal, financial, or career-related. Each year, millions resolve to do things like losing a few pounds, quitting smoking, finding a new job, or spending more time with loved ones. If you are among those still tweaking your resolution list, consider adding what may be the most vital task of all—creating or updating your will.
No matter your marital or financial status, professional advisers agree that a will is probably the most important legal document you can own. It is also easier to acquire than most people believe it to be. A will provides a sense of comfort and clarity for your family members, and it ensures that your final wishes will be carried out. Above all, it is simply a smart thing to do.
An outdated will can be just as detrimental as not having one. This is especially true for those who are widowed, divorced, planning to remarry, or have new grandchildren. If you have a will, consider updating it frequently, perhaps on your birthday each year, to be sure it reflects your current desires.
The Naval Institute has risen to a level of success and influence because of the support of dedicated members and donors. This proud legacy will remain in perpetuity if those same members and donors include the Institute in their estate planning. Making provision in your will for the Institute is a simple process that can be done at the time it is created or added by means of a codicil (addendum). You may want to designate a certain dollar amount or percentage of your estate. Those who name the Institute in their estate plans automatically become a member of the Quill and Sword Legacy Society. Consult an attorney or professional adviser and then call our Foundation office at (410) 295-1063.
Remember that gifts made through a will are easy, revocable, versatile, and tax-wise. On top of all else, leaving a legacy gift is one of the most rewarding experiences an individual can have.
Recent Memorial Gifts
Gifts of support to the Naval Institute have been made in honor of the following individuals:
Carl and Eunice Butkus, by William M. Butkus
• Ray Cavendish, by Charlotte B. Cavendish
• Richard J. Kemp, by Carol G. Kemp
• Joseph M. Meilleur Jr., by Joseph M. Meilleur
• Donald Vaccaro, by Yvonne A. Vaccaro
• Captain Donald B. Welsh, by Renee A. Welsh
Remembering the Pueblo
Forty years ago this month, on 23 January 1968, the intelligence-gathering ship USS Pueblo (AGER-2), skippered by Commander Lloyd M. Bucher, was boarded and seized by the North Koreans in international waters. One of her 83-man crew was killed during the capture. After months of harsh treatment and forced confessions, the crew was released exactly 11 months later, on 23 December 1968.
Many photos of the Pueblo, her crew, the celebrations of their release, and the Court of Inquiry following their return are among the Naval Institute's archive of nearly half-a-million images. Through the generosity of supporters, the Institute has been able to preserve and digitize approximately 14,000 photos which are accessible through the Institute's Web site, www.usni.org. The digitized photos represent a cross section of our most popular images of ships and aircraft, combat photography, and Sea Service personnel. The Institute continues to slowly convert the rest of the collection as contributed funds and photo sales allow.
You can help the Institute's photo preservation efforts by sending your tax-deductible gift by check, Visa, MasterCard, or American Express—specifying it is for the photo archive—to the Naval Institute Foundation, 291 Wood Road, Annapolis, MD 21402, or by making a donation online at our Web site.